Girls Track Preview: Byron reloads on run in Big Northern

Byron won its ninth sectional championship in a row last year after earning a share of the Big Northern Conference title.

Now, backed by a trio of returning state placers — senior Kelsey Hildreth and sophomores Challen Jackson and Ashley Whitmore — the Tigers feel as if they’re reloaded for more.

“We’re not a huge squad, and we’re pretty young overall,” Byron coach Scott McMullen said. “But this team has some very talented girls, and they’re ready to get outside and show what they can do.”

Hildreth holds the school record in the 1,600- and 3,200-meter runs, and she wound up 14th at the end of the 3,200 final at outdoor state last year, but she pulled away to win the event during last month’s indoor state meet. Jackson and Whitmore were a part of the Tigers’ 1,600 relay team that took third in the state, and Jackson also made it to state in the 400, though as a freshman she was unable to crack the top 12 and advance to the finals.

They all have a different mentality this season, however.

“They’re very seasoned after running all year at the varsity level,” McMullen said. “Even the sophomores are mature and prepared for what’s to come. We lost some great athletes, but we’ve brought in some, too, and we’re excited to see what we can do.”

And while Byron lost a pair of state placers to graduation — Brooke Holloway in the high jump and Rose Criscione in the pole vault — they added senior Mayson Whipple in the sprints, and have the entire 3,200 relay squad that advanced to state last year back for more as well.

Junior Megan Headley is another top runner after placing 10th in the 200 at indoor state, while Paige Holloway took ninth in the high jump. The Tigers may need every point they can get to hold off Burlington Central and the other contenders.

BC looked strong during the indoor season, led by state-qualifying hurdlers Bryce Weinrich and Jasmine Castillo and distance runner Katie Bush. High jumper Karli Chmelik has stepped up, and the team has depth in the sprints as well.

Oregon hopes to make a push for the BNC title, and the Hawks’ two stars appear ready to spark the run. Shannon Cullen was third at state in the shot put last season, and Cydney Long placed third in the 100-high hurdles. Both are back with a goal of a state title.

“We keep talking about how much fun they can have down at state,” Coach Lynn Ahlgrim said. “There are a lot of girls who can make that happen, but we’ve got to stay healthy, and we’ve got to keep building.”

Winnebago coach Joe Erb believes his team will rebound from a year without a state qualifier in Class 2A, and all-state cross country runner Cheyenne Moore should help out in that department. Sprinter and middle-distance runner Kelsey Shellhorn, discus thrower Allison Klosinski and miler Rachel France will all be in the mix for conference titles, according to Erb.

“We’ve got a nice group of young kids,” Erb said, “but this is a tough conference, and the 2A postseason is a tough road.”

Lutheran’s Claire Mesa reeled in a seventh-place finish in the 800 at the indoor state meet, while Rockford Christian sprinter Payton Jones placed 12th in the 60 at indoor state.

Stillman Valley has the biggest team it’s had in the past decade with 28 girls, but the Cardinals have just three seniors, and a lot of work to do to build into a conference contender, first-year girls track head coach Brendan Johnson said.

“It’s encouraging because it’s the largest group we’ve had since I’ve been at the school,” said Johnson, who also coaches the boys track team. “And it’s not just a big group, but it’s a talented group. It’ll take a little time, though.”

The Cardinals will rely heavily on freshman sprinter Camille Lyons as well as sophomore runners Megan Hale and Emily Thomas.